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A review by katiemack
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I requested the book because of the premise--a reclusive best-selling author offers the only copy of his latest book to the person who wins a series of games, which reminded me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Westing Game--but this ended up veering into saccharine-yet-tragic territory. There are also some characters I wish had been explored further--Lucy's sister, Hugo's brother, Christopher, even Jack--that made the story feel more surface-level. I did enjoy the games and wish more of those had been included, and I got a little emotional toward the end, so the story did work for me overall. I just wish it had been better executed.
I requested the book because of the premise--a reclusive best-selling author offers the only copy of his latest book to the person who wins a series of games, which reminded me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Westing Game--but this ended up veering into saccharine-yet-tragic territory. There are also some characters I wish had been explored further--Lucy's sister, Hugo's brother, Christopher, even Jack--that made the story feel more surface-level. I did enjoy the games and wish more of those had been included, and I got a little emotional toward the end, so the story did work for me overall. I just wish it had been better executed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Abandonment
Minor: Drug abuse and Terminal illness